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You were brought to the hospital with severe breathlessness and swelling in your feet. After thorough examination the doctors have identified that you have got Congestive heart failure (CHF) which is normally present when the heart cannot pump enough blood to satisfy the needs of the body. Weakened chambers allow blood to pool inside the heart and nearby veins. This triggers fluid retention, particularly in the lungs, legs and abdomen. CHF is also known as chronic heart failure or congestive cardiac failure (CCF).

Congestive heart failure can be caused by several conditions, including:

Past heart attacks from coronary heart disease leading to scarring in the heart muscle. This is the most common cause for congestive heart failure.

Knowing your body and the symptoms that your heart failure is getting worse will help you stay healthier and out of the hospital. At home, watch for changes in your heart rate, pulse, blood pressure, and weight.

Weight gain, especially > 1.5 Kg over a day or two, can be a sign that your body is holding onto extra fluid and your heart failure is getting worse. Talk to your doctor about what you should do if your weight goes up or you develop more symptoms.

Heart attack and stroke: Because blood flow through the heart is slower in heart failure than in a normal heart, it's more likely you'll develop blood clots, which can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke

Kidney damage or failure: Heart failure can reduce the blood flow to your kidneys, which can eventually cause kidney failure if left untreated.

Heart valve problems: The valves of your heart, which keep blood flowing in the proper direction through your heart, can become damaged from the blood and fluid build-up from heart failure.

Liver damage: Heart failure can lead to a build-up of fluid that puts too much pressure on the liver. This fluid backup can lead to scarring, which makes it more difficult for your liver to function properly.

What Type of Exercise Is Best?

Cardiovascular or aerobic is steady physical activity using large muscle groups. This type of exercise strengthens the heart and lungs and improves the body's ability to use oxygen. Aerobic exercise has the most benefits for your heart. Over time, aerobic exercise can help your blood pressure and improve your breathing (since your heart won't have to work as hard during exercise).

What Are Examples of Aerobic Exercises?

How Often Should I Exercise?

In general, to achieve maximum benefits, you should gradually work up to an aerobic session of at least 20 to 30 minutes, at least three to four times a week. Exercising every other day will help you start a regular aerobic exercise schedule. The American Heart Association recommends working up to exercising on most days of the week. While the more exercise you can do the better for your fitness, any amount of exercise is beneficial to your health.

Every exercise session should include a warm-up, a conditioning phase, and a cool-down.

Warm-up. This helps your body adjust slowly from rest to exercise. A warm-up reduces the stress on your heart and muscles, slowly increases your breathing, circulation (heart rate) and body temperature. The best warm-up includes dynamic stretching (as compared to the touch your toes stretches you did in high school) and the beginning of the activity at a low intensity level.

Conditioning. This follows the warm-up. During the conditioning phase, the benefits of exercise are gained and calories are burned. If you experience chest pain, significant breathlessness, or dizziness, you should stop exercising and let your doctor know about your symptoms.

Cool-down. This is the last phase of your exercise session. It allows your body to gradually recover from the conditioning phase. Your heart rate and blood pressure will return to near resting values. Cool-down does not mean sit down! In fact, do not sit, stand still or lie down right after exercise. This may cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded or have heart palpitations (fluttering in your chest). The best cool-down is to slowly decrease the intensity of your activity.

Exercise while sitting

While performing these exercises, maintain good posture. Keep your back straight; do not curve or slump your back. Make sure your movements are controlled and slow. Avoid quick, jerking movements. Do not bounce. Do not hold your breath during these exercises.

Ankle pumping. Sit on the floor with your feet straight out in front of you. Keeping your heels on the floor, lift your toes up as far as you can. Hold for a count of five.

Knee straightening. Raise your foot to fully straighten your knee out in front of you. Hold for a count of five. Lower your foot to the floor. Repeat on other side.

Hip bending. Lift one knee up toward the ceiling. As you lower this knee, raise your other knee. Alternate each leg as if you were marching in place (while sitting.)

How Can I Stick With It?

Have fun! Choose an activity that you enjoy. You'll be more likely to stick with an exercise program if you enjoy the activity. Add variety. Develop a group of several different activities to do on alternate days that you can enjoy. Use music to keep you entertained. Here are some questions you can think about before choosing a routine:

What physical activities do I enjoy?

Do I prefer group or individual activities?

What programs best fit my schedule?

Do I have physical conditions that limit my choice of exercise?

What goals do I have in mind? (For example, losing weight, strengthening muscles or improving flexibility.)

Schedule exercise into your daily routine. Plan to exercise at the same time every day (such as in the mornings when you have more energy). Add a variety of exercises so that you do not get bored. If you exercise regularly, it will soon become part of your lifestyle.

Find an exercise "buddy." This will help you stay motivated.

Also, exercise does not have to put a strain on your wallet. Avoid buying expensive equipment or health club memberships unless you are certain you will use them regularly.

General Workout Tips for People With Heart Failure

Be sure any exercise is paced and balanced with rest.

Avoid isometric exercises such as push-ups and sit-ups. Isometric exercises involve straining muscles against other muscles or an immovable object.

Don't exercise outdoors when it is too cold, hot, or humid. High humidity may cause you to tire more quickly; extreme temperatures can interfere with circulation, make breathing difficult, and cause chest pain. Better choices are indoor activities such as mall walking.

Make sure you stay hydrated. It is important to drink water even before you feel thirsty, especially on hot days. But, be careful not to drink too much water. Follow your doctor's guidelines about how much fluid you can have in a day.

Extremely hot and cold showers or sauna baths should be avoided after exercise. These extreme temperatures increase the workload on the heart.

Steer clear of exercise in hilly areas unless you have discussed it with your doctor. If you must walk in steep areas, make sure you slow down when going uphill to avoid working too hard.

If your exercise program has been interrupted for more than a few days (for example, due to illness, vacation, or bad weather), make sure you ease back into the routine. Start with a reduced level of activity, and gradually increase it until you are back where you started.

Warning

Stop exercising and call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:

Chest pain

Weakness

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Unexplained weight gain or swelling

Pressure or pain in your chest, neck, arm, jaw, or shoulder or any other symptoms that cause concern

Quit! Tobacco and second-hand smoke are one of the primary risk factors and can lead to other cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Call - the Quit Line, 1800-22-77-87. For more-

Alcohol

It is best to completely avoid alcohol. Alcohol may interfere with medications and also affect heart health. Alcohol is calorie-rich and can increase blood pressure.

Stress Management

Lowering stress levels can help with recovery. Incorporate a daily routine to relax and rejuvenate try to listen to soothing music, chant, read a book or meditate.

Caffeine

Limit intake of tea, coffee, colas and chocolate to only 1 Cup a day. Lowered caffeine intake is known to induce a better sleep during the night.

Blood Pressure Management

Maintaining a normal blood pressure of lower than 120/80 is important to lower the risk of further cardiovascular complications. Exercise and heart healthy diet can help to maintaining normal blood pressure.

Blood Glucose Management

Diabetic patients are at a risk of developing complications. Keep your blood sugar in constant check by maintaining a balanced diet and a prudent lifestyle.

Other important changes to make in your lifestyle:

- Stay active. Walk or ride a stationary bicycle. Your doctor can provide a safe and effective exercise plan for you. DO NOT exercise on days when your weight has gone up from fluid or you are not feeling well.

- Lose weight if you are overweight.

- Lower your cholesterol by changing your lifestyle.

- Get enough rest, including after exercise, eating, or other activities. This allows your heart to rest too.(3)

If you have heart disease, your doctor may encourage you to participate in cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) program, which is designed to help you exercise safely and maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle. The program typically includes a tailored exercise program, education, and support in making lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking and adopting a healthier diet. Cardiac rehab programs also offer support groups to help you stay on track to maintain a healthier heart.

What Types of Exercises Are Included in a Cardiac Rehab Program?

Your cardiac rehab program may include exercises like cycling on a stationary bike, using a treadmill, low-impact aerobics, and swimming.